Tourist Places - Mekedatu

Mekedatu

Overview:

Mekedatu is located approximately 93kms from Bangalore City. It is a place in Kanakapura Taluk, Bangalore. A popular picnic spot for weekend getaways. It is a beautiful picnic spot where the rivers Cauvery and Arkavathi after their confluence at the Sangam, squeeze though a narrow gorge.  Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight. The water flows very fast through the gorge, gouging pits in the rocky riverbed. The climb down is steep and the rocks slippery, making it very dangerous to swim in the river. Drownings continue to occur here, although people have been warned about the danger. If planning for one day trip, then you can easily think of Mekedatu.

Mekedatu in Kannada means Goat’s Leap (Meke = Goat and Datu = Leap). The name comes from an incident which is believed to have been witnessed by herdsmen in that area a long time ago. It is said that a goat being chased by a tiger made a desperate attempt to save its life by leaping from one side of the gorge and managed to cross over the raging river below, whereas the tiger did not attempt to replicate this feat, and abandoned the chase. The point where the goat leapt has widened since then from erosion caused by the river Cauvery.

There is also some mythological significance to this place (both Sangama and Mekedatu). As per one version, the goat (meke) that is believed to have leapt across the Cauvery was Lord Shiva in disguise. On both rocky precipices of the gorge, one can find strange holes, whose shapes resemble goats' hooves, though several times larger. It was thought that only divine goats could have marked their 'footprints' in such hard rocks.

How to Reach:

It is good to go with your own vehicle. But if you are planning to go by bus then there are many KSRTC buses and private buses available to Kanakapura from KR Market. From Kanakapura there are only few buses to Sangama. After reaching Sangama, a pathway leads from the Sangama to a picnic spot called Mekedatu. It is a 4-kilometre walk from the road. You can either walk or take a bus, the bus would cost you some Rs 20 – Rs 25 per head. A private vehicle may be taken but the road is in very bad shape

Food and Accommodation:

There are no restaurants available in Mekedatu.  Only some shops selling cool drinks and snacks are available at the place. it is best to pack your own food or have food at Kanakapura. There is a clean restaurant at Sangama where you can have lunch and also you can have good fish fry.

Best time for Mekedatu:

August to January is the best season. Post monsoon is the best time to see the falls.

What’s there to see at Mekedatu?

• Nothing much to see except water and beautiful rock formations at Sangam, and the gorge at Mekedatu.
• Crocodiles exits in the water at one particular portion, so be careful and do not venture out to remote places.